Minister at opening of transformed community pub

MP Marcus Jones visited The White Lion in Stockingford, a Punch Taverns pub, where licensee Paul Caven and business partner Stacy Frisby opened the transformed pub which they say aims to be ‘at the heart of the community’.

A spokesman for Punch said: “The White Lion was once a thriving pub for the mining community, but in recent years has looked and felt tired. It is now being brought into the 21st century, with new fixtures, fittings and furnishings.”

Paul is a successful businessman, while Stacy is an experienced pub operator.

“There’s a real buzz in the community about the opening. It’s really exciting,” Paul said.

“So we want to give locals just what they want in terms of drinks, food and entertainment – and we’ll be trying new things, to make sure there is something for everyone.”

The new-look pub has a traditional bar on one side and a lounge bar on the other. The beer garden has been transformed with a large decking area.

The White Lion now offers three sizes of breakfast and runs a curry club. Its bar snacks include burgers, pies and basket meals.

There are three cask ales – with one on rotation – and a range of bottled craft beers.

The pub has a pool table, two sports TVs, darts, poker and football teams. There will be live music, family fun days and quiz nights.

Stuart Burley, new business development manager for Punch Taverns, said: “We’re really pleased to be re-opening this pub after months of closure. We’re delighted to be working with Paul and Stacy to provide their locals with a market-leading, community pub with so much to offer.”